The Benefits of Education

Girls and boys who learn to read, write and count will provide a better future for their families and countries. With improved education, so many other areas are positively affected. In short, education has the power to make the world a better place.

Education ...

Reduces poverty

420 million people would be lifted out of poverty with a secondary education, thus reducing the number of poor worldwide by more than half.

Increases income

One extra year of schooling increases an individual's earnings by up to 10%.

Makes people healthier

Children of educated mothers are more likely to be vaccinated and less likely to be stunted because of malnourishment.

Boosts economic growth

Each additional year of schooling raises average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.37%.

Saves children's lives

A child whose mother can read is 50% more likely to live past the age of five.

Fosters peace

If the enrollment rate for secondary schooling is 10 percentage points higher than the average, the risk of war is reduced by about 3 percentage points.

Reduces fertility rates

One additional year of school reduces the probability of becoming a mother by 7.3% for women who have completed at least primary education.

Prevents disaster-related deaths

Universalizing upper secondary education by 2030 would prevent 200,000 disaster-related deaths in the 20 years that follow.

Reduces child marriage

Each year of secondary education reduces the likelihood of marrying as a child by five percentage points or more.

Reduces maternal deaths

If all mothers completed primary education, maternal deaths would be reduced by two-thirds, saving 189,000 lives.

Promotes gender equality

One additional school year can increase a woman's earnings by 10% to 20%.

Combats HIV and AIDS

Women with post-primary education are five times more likely than illiterate women to be educated on the topic of HIV and AIDS.

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The Global Partnership for Education supports 65 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education, prioritizing the poorest, most vulnerable and those living in countries affected by fragility and conflict.